Well, um…uh, as you may already know, we recently stumbled across a lab belonging to Michael—the Wraith that we—

TODD
I know who he is.

KELLER
Uh—of course you do.

TODD
Word of your success against him spread rapidly among my kind. We are very grateful.

SHEPPARD
Trust me, we didn't do it for you.

KELLER
Anyway, we recovered a database from his lab that allowed us to continue his research into—

TODD

(sharply interrupting)

For what purpose?

KELLER
We've come up with a gene therapy that alters Wraith DNA in a small but significant way. In a nutshell, we think we can make it so that you, and any other Wraith we treat, will never need to feed on humans again.

[Todd and his second in command exchange sharp looks.]

WRAITH SECOND
This is absurd.

KELLER
Well, actually, it's…not as big of a change as you might think. Your bodies already contain all the organs necessary to digest food.

SHEPPARD
Here. Try this.

[Sheppard tosses Todd a piece of fruit.]

TODD
If I consume this, it may give me a moment's pleasure, but it will not sustain me.

[He sets the fruit firmly down on the table.]

KELLER
But that can change. At least…in theory.

WRAITH SECOND
Why would we want this? Of what benefit is it?

SHEPPARD
Well, think about it. If you put yourself on regular food, you could give up all those tiresome cullings.

TEYLA
It would give you a significant advantage over other hives.

SHEPPARD
Not to mention, I could stop waiting for the chance to kill you…in theory.

KELLER
Well, um, we're not entirely sure how this change would affect your, um…gifts. They may continue, although possibly in a diminished form.

TODD
Possibly?

KELLER
It's difficult to know from lab tests. We can't be sure until we administer it to, um, live subjects.

MCKAY
Well, let's not forget that Michael spread the modified Hoffan drug to dozens of worlds, possibly more. I mean, no one knows for sure, right? Which means that every time you feed? You're taking a risk.

SHEPPARD
Bottom line is, there's not enough food to go around. That's why you Wraith are at each other's throats, so…here's your chance.

[Todd considers this.]

EXT—SPACE

[The hive ship floats in space.]

INT—WRAITH CONFERENCE ROOM

[Todd and his second are now gone. The Atlantis team waits in the room. Ronon paces.]

RONON
This is wrong. We shouldn't be here.

MCKAY
I don't know, from where I was sitting, things seemed to go pretty well.

SHEPPARD

(flatly)

Yeah.

KELLER

(curious)

You don't seem too happy about it.

SHEPPARD
I was just expecting a little more resistance.

KELLER
Well, he hasn't said yes yet.

SHEPPARD
Yeah, but something makes me think he wants to.

TEYLA
And why not? It is a reasonable offer.

RONON
Why are we thinking of ways to fix them when we should be thinking of ways to kill them?

MCKAY
We've been trying to do that for four years. They're still here!

TEYLA

(firmly)

The Wraith may not deserve our consideration. But as John pointed out, we're not doing this for them.

[Sheppard and Teyla stand as footsteps approach. Ronon turns and primes his weapon as Todd arrives. Ronon lowers his gun.]

TODD
I'm sorry. Am I disturbing you?

[Sheppard gives a falsely bright smile and gestures a welcome.]

SHEPPARD
Come in.

TODD
I have…considered your offer.

SHEPPARD
That was fast.

TODD
I believe your idea has merit…if you can make the treatment work.

KELLER
It'll work.

TODD
Of course, converting a single hive would be pointless. It would make little difference to the humans of this galaxy and would make us pariahs amongst our own kind.

[While Todd speaks, Ronon lounges in a chair in an exaggeratedly casual gesture. He never takes his eyes off the Wraith, nor his hand off his gun.]

MCKAY
Wait a minute. I thought you worked with a whole group of hives.

TODD
I do, but I may have…exaggerated my position within the alliance.

SHEPPARD
He doesn't have the clout.

RONON

(sneering)

Then he's no good to us.

TODD
There's only one you need to convince. Among all the queens in the alliance, one sits above the rest. We call her…the Primary.

MCKAY
The uber-queen?

TODD
Convince her, and the rest will fall into line.

SHEPPARD
Then convince her!

TODD
She will only speak with another queen.

TEYLA
And your queen was killed last year in the skies above Atlantis.

TODD
Regrettably, yes. But the Primary does not know this.

SHEPPARD

(incredulous)

You…you bluffed your way into the alliance and convinced them you still have a queen?

TODD
They would not have accepted me otherwise. Up to now, I've been able to maintain this subterfuge, but a face-to-face meeting…that would be difficult. In fact, there is only one person who could help me.

[He looks pointedly at Teyla, who stares back at him in surprise.]

EXT—ATLANTIS, DAY

INT—SHEPPARD'S QUARTERS

[Teyla and Sheppard are in his quarters.]

SHEPPARD
This is crazy.

TEYLA
Believe me, this is not a decision I am taking lightly.

SHEPPARD
Do you realize what he's asking you to do?

TEYLA
Doctor Keller assures me that the procedure is completely reversible and will have no lasting ill effects.

SHEPPARD
I'm not talking about the procedure.

TEYLA

(quietly)

I know.

SHEPPARD
Look, even if this works, even if all the Wraith stop feeding, you think they're gonna become nice and friendly overnight? No. They're going to have a massive technological advantage.

TEYLA
You're suggesting they will enslave the people of this galaxy rather than feed on them?

SHEPPARD
We've seen the same thing happen in our galaxy.

TEYLA
You didn't voice this objection before.

SHEPPARD
Nobody was asking you to risk your life.

TEYLA
My Wraith DNA makes me the only possible candidate. Anyone else would be detected by the queen immediately.

TEYLA
Eventually, one faction will emerge victorious, and then everything will go back to the way it was.

SHEPPARD
But maybe not for a while, so we can afford to wait.

TEYLA
And if Todd's alliance is destroyed? We may never have another opportunity like this again. I admit, this may not solve the Wraith problem once and for all. But there are people alive today who will be culled in the coming weeks and months. And if I can save even some of them…I have to try. If not for myself, then for my son.

BANKS

(over intercom)

Colonel Sheppard, come in.

SHEPPARD
This is Sheppard, go ahead.

INT—ATLANTIS CONTROL ROOM

BANKS

(into radio)

Mr. Woolsey wanted me to inform you sir…he's here.

[Banks looks down to the Stargate, where Todd, escorted by an Atlantis team, arrives through the active wormhole.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Teyla sits up on a surgical bed, dressed in a hospital gown. Keller is in scrubs beside her. Other infirmary staff prepare equipment.]

KELLER
You sure you're ready for this?

TEYLA

(nodding)

As ready as I'll ever be.

KELLER
I'm sorry. I…I feel like you're being pressured into this because of my research.

TEYLA
I am not being pressured into anything. And your research may save thousands, even millions of lives. Remember that.

KELLER
Right.

INT—ATLANTIS CORRIDOR

[Todd and his guard escort approach the infirmary. Ronon blocks his path, glowering menacingly at Todd.]

TODD
Can I help you?

RONON
Just remember…if anything happens to her, there won't be anywhere in the galaxy you can hide.

TODD
Ah. Is that all?

[Ronon sneers in challenge, but steps aside.]

TODD
Right.

[Todd continues on his way.]

INT—ATLANTIS INFIRMARY SURGICAL WARD

[Todd enters. Teyla lies on the table, still conscious.]

TODD
How is my patient?

KELLER
She's fine.

TODD
Very well. Let's get started.

KELLER

(to Teyla)
Don't worry. He's just here as a technical advisor. I'm going to be performing the surgery.
(to staff)

All right, we're ready.

[The anesthesiologist injects a syringe into her line. Teyla glances towards the observation room and breathes deeply. The surgery continues. Todd giving advice as they work and study monitors. Sheppard, McKay, and Ronon watch worriedly. McKay has to turn away. Todd nods, as does Keller as they work on Teyla.]

[Teyla speaks in a Wraith reverberating tone. Her face is mottled green with slits in the cheekbones. Her eyes are reptilian and yellow. Her hair is black. She looks like a Wraith.]

EXT—SPACE

[Todd's hive ship floats in space.]

INT—QUEEN'S THRONE ROOM

TODD
Now, assume your throne.

[Teyla unsteadily moves to the throne. She sits in it carefully, as if it might bite, then shifts in it, trying to get comfortable.]

TODD

(angrily)

Are you trying to get us both killed?!

TEYLA

(puzzled)

I do not understand.

TODD
At the first sign of deception, the Primary will not hesitate to slit our throats!

TEYLA

(standing)

You said she would sense my Wraith DNA.

TODD

(disgusted)

It is not your "DNA" that concerns me. It is your manner. Your bearing. You project apprehension.

TEYLA
Well, given the circumstances…

TODD
It may be understandable, but it is not acceptable! Above all, you must never show weakness. Now…again!

[Teyla juts out her chin in challenge.]

INT—WRAITH CONFERENCE ROOM

[The rest of Teyla's team waits in the room.]

MCKAY
How long is this going to take anyway?

SHEPPARD
Until Todd's satisfied she can pass as a Wraith queen. You know, personally, I'm not inclined to rush this thing.

MCKAY
She's already too convincing if you ask me. Creeps me out.

SHEPPARD

(squirming)

She's still Teyla…underneath all that.

RONON
Maybe that's the problem.

SHEPPARD
Look, I'm not any crazier about this than you guys. But the fact is, Todd's putting his life on the line, too. I don't think he'd go in there with her if he didn't think she could pull this off.

[Todd enters.]

SHEPPARD
Where's Teyla?

TODD
Resting. You'll be pleased to know we've received word back from the Primary's hive. We've been instructed to meet with them at their current location.

MCKAY
So, what's the plan?

TODD
Once we arrive, we make contact with the ship and make our way over. Then Teyla will put forward my proposal.

MCKAY
Oh, your proposal?

TODD
Believe me, the less the Primary knows about my dealings with the humans of Atlantis, the better.

SHEPPARD

(cautiously)

If she doesn't know it's coming from us, what are the chances she's going to buy it?

TODD
Our alliance has recently been dealt a number of setbacks.

RONON

(grinning)

You're getting your asses kicked.

TODD
Indeed. Although the Primary would never admit it out loud. But the one thing stronger than her pride is her instinct for survival.

TODD
Forgive me…but this is the way it must be. You must say that you killed her.

TEYLA
Are you insane?!

TODD
This is how it is done with our kind. This is how power changes hands.

TEYLA
But I do not want—

TODD
Listen to me! The crew will not be happy, but nor will they wish to be without a queen. You caught her off-guard. Many will perceive that to mean that she was growing weak. All you need to do is convince them that you are a capable replacement, and they will accept you.

TEYLA
And if I can't?

TODD
Then we're both dead.

[The bald Wraith and several soldiers enter.]

BALD WRAITH
What is this?!

TEYLA
I have taken what is rightfully mine.

[The wraith goes to the queen and deactivates the alarm.]

BALD WRAITH

(grieving)

You killed her!

TEYLA
Yes, and you are the better for it.

BALD WRAITH
You will die for this!

[He pulls his stunner.]

TEYLA
How dare you point a weapon at your queen!

BALD WRAITHThis was my queen!

TEYLA
Not anymore.

[Todd steps in the line of fire.]

TODD
She was growing weak. She no longer had full control over the alliance. If you can't see that, you're a fool.

[Teyla comes up behind Todd, strikes him, and kicks him behind the knees, wrapping her knife hand around his throat as he falls to his knees.]

TEYLA
Did I ask you to speak for me?!

TODD
No, my queen.

[The bald wraith studies this exchange with interest.]

TEYLA
Wag your tongue like that again, and I will remove it. Is that understood?

TODD
Yes, my queen!

[Teyla releases him and tosses the knife away imperiously.]

TEYLA

(to bald wraith)

Now, drop us out of hyperspace and run a full diagnostic. I wish to know the state of my new flagship…And have this…thing removed from my sight.

[They look to the Primary's corpse.]

BALD WRAITH

(hesitantly)

Yes, my queen.

EXT—SPACE

[The Primary hive drops out of hyperspace near a nebula.]

INT—PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[Teyla paces the room alone. Todd enters.]

TODD
I have surveyed the crew. You'll be pleased to know they were entirely fooled!

TEYLA
What were you thinking?! You put both our lives at terrible risk!

TODD
I know. If you'll allow me to explain—

TEYLA
How could you do this?

TODD
It was necessary. The former queen was never going to accept your proposal.

TEYLA
And so you…killed her and forced me to take the blame.

TODD
If I had taken the blame, I would have been killed and you would've been held captive. That was not the desired outcome. You must understand, our culture is different from your own. We govern ourselves by different rules. It was important for you to claim ownership of the act of killing the queen.

TEYLA

(fiercely)

You should have informed me of your intention to make me queen of this hive.

[Todd bows mockingly.]

TODD
Perhaps, but I doubt you would have gone through with it had you known.

TEYLA
You're right. It was a foolish, reckless plan.

TODD
Most Wraith seek to be ruled. They fear being without a queen. I knew that if you presented yourself as a viable substitute, most of them would just…fall in line.

TEYLA
"Most of them?"

TODD
The point is that we have achieved what we set out to do. You are now effectively in control of the alliance. We may now implement Doctor Keller's plan without hindrance.

TEYLA
Then there is no further need for us to continue this charade. Take me back to your ship!

TODD
Soon, but first, you must allow some time for order to be restored—for things to return to normal. Once they do, you may take your leave. And no one on this crew will be the wiser.

We must respond to this. To do otherwise will read as weakness. The crew will not understand.

TEYLA

(fiercely)

Then let them be confused.

TODD
Spoken like a true queen. But you risk breeding suspicion. For the moment, they believe you and are prepared to serve you. But if you break that trust by making irrational decisions, they will…quickly fall away from you.

TEYLA
What about your ship? It is probably already on its way.

TODD
They will pick up on our new location as soon as they arrive.

[Teyla sighs in defeat.]

TEYLA
Inform the bridge to set a course.

INT—TODD'S SHIP CONFERENCE ROOM

SHEPPARD
Now, Kenny's right about one thing, the second we drop out of hyperspace, the Primary's hive ship's going to know something's up.

RONON
We drop out early. Go the rest of the way by jumper.

SHEPPARD
That's going to take too long. We need a diversion.

MCKAY
So what, uh…what kind of a diversion?

[Ronon and Sheppard exchange looks.]

RONON
You thinking what I'm thinking?

SHEPPARD
Yeah. I don't think we can rely on Kenny to give the order, though.

RONON
We don't give him a choice.

MCKAY
What are you talking about? What-what order? Oh, no, wait a minute, wait a minute, you're-you're not thinking about attacking the other ship?

SHEPPARD
Look, it's the only way to keep them occupied long enough to get on board, get Teyla, and get back.

MCKAY
But it's also incredibly risky. Look, I mean, either of these ships could be destroyed!

SHEPPARD
Well, we'll just make sure we get her out of there before that happens.

[McKay still looks skeptical. Sheppard looks at him.]

SHEPPARD
Look, I realize the odds aren't exactly in our favor, Rodney, but…the longer we wait to get Teyla, the more likely it is we never will. We just have to…keep all of our options open.

[They head out and down another corridor. They stop, hiding behind a pillar as they spot two soldiers guarding an entryway.]

RONON

(whispering)

Whoa.

SHEPPARD

(whispering)

We're going to have to circle back.

MCKAY

(whispering)

Oh, great. I gotta figure this out all over again?

[Ronon checks the other direction, but sees soldiers approaching their position. He hides.]

RONON
Another patrol coming this way.

MCKAY
So what are we gonna do?

SHEPPARD
We got no choice.

MCKAY
Oh…

[He whimpers as they open fire on the Wraith. They shoot all of the Wraith nearby.]

SHEPPARD
Let's move.

RONON
Which way?

[Sheppard checks his direction; there are Wraith coming.]

SHEPPARD
I guess that answers that.

[They run in Ronon's direction. They meet several Wraith coming out of a transporter and open fire. Ronon and McKay are stunned by Wraith coming out another corridor. Sheppard returns fire, but he too is felled. The Bald Wraith arrives.]

BALD WRAITH
Inform the queen. We have intruders.

INT—PRIMARY PRISON CELL

MCKAY
Now what?

SHEPPARD
Well, if I had to guess, I'd say we'll be taken in front of the queen, who will demand answers and threaten to feed on us, by which time I hope to have a plan to get us out of here.

MCKAY

(flatly)

Very reassuring.

[A door opens and Teyla approaches.]

MCKAY
It's Teyla. She's alive.

SHEPPARD

(low, warning)

Rodney…quiet.

TEYLA

(haughtily, to guards)

Leave us.

[The guards leave.]

TEYLA

(sounding more like herself, but still with Wraith voice)

John, Ronon, Rodney, it is good to see you. But you should not have come for me.

SHEPPARD
Why? What's going on?

TEYLA
I will explain later. But you must not attempt to escape. You are in no danger. I'm now queen of this hive.

MCKAY
Wait…what?!

TEYLA
It is a long story.

SHEPPARD
No, we got a jumper here, we can leave right now!

TEYLA
No! I must solidify my position first. It is the only chance we have to ensure the alliance will accept the treatment. Otherwise, this will all have been for nothing.

[They consider this.]

SHEPPARD
All right. We'll let it play out…for now.

[Teyla sighs in relief, nods, and leaves. No one notices the bald wraith hidden behind the corner, who has watched the entire exchange.]

INT—PRIMARY THRONE ROOM

[Teyla exits a transporter and approaches her throne. The Bald Wraith appears out of the shadows.]

BALD WRAITH
My queen…

TEYLA

(startled)

What are you doing here? Who authorized you to wait in my quarters?

BALD WRAITH

(smiling)

I let myself in. I needed to see you in private.

TEYLA

(rattled)

I do not wish to speak right now. Come back later.

BALD WRAITH
I'm afraid I can't do that.

TEYLA
I am your queen, I command you—

BALD WRAITH
You are not my queen!

TEYLA
How dare you speak to me like this! Remove yourself from my sight immediately!

BALD WRAITH
I saw you talking with the prisoners from Atlantis.

TEYLA
And? I may not interrogate prisoners on my own ship?

BALD WRAITH
Oh, you may—though it is odd that you refer to them as prisoners. I overheard what you said to them. You knew them, and they know you. And I asked myself: "how is such a thing possible?" I suspected you right from the moment you set foot aboard my ship.

[Teyla has been looking more and more fearful. She tries to bolt, but the Wraith blocks her path.]

BALD WRAITH

And against my better judgment, I allowed you to remain on board…
(draws his sword)

…while you committed treachery after treachery! It was my duty to defend this ship, and I failed.

[He swings his sword, but Teyla ducks, stabbing him in the side with her dagger. The Wraith backhands her with a powerful swing, knocking her off her feet and into the throne, where she knocks her head against the back of it. She is still stunned while the Wraith pulls out the dagger and drags her off the throne, throwing her onto the floor. He crouches behind her and holds the sword blade to her throat.]

BALD WRAITH
I'm afraid your reign is over…my queen!

[He is struck several times in the back by the Wraith stunner weapon wielded by Todd. Teyla scrambles away as Todd approaches. He bends down and breaks the Bald Wraith's neck, then stands.]

[Teyla sits on the throne, speaking imperiously to several columns of Wraith gathered there.]

TEYLA

…and thus I will be taking my leave of you and returning to my former hive. I am leaving behind my trusted commander.
(gesturing to Todd)

Let me be clear, you will still fall under my protection, but in my absence, you will heed his every order as if it were my own. When he speaks, it is as though I am speaking through him. Is that understood?

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
Yes, my queen.

TEYLA

Good. Then it is time.
(to Todd)

Escort me to my transport.

[Todd bows.]

WRAITH TECHNICIAN
The queen departs.

[The Wraith position themselves as an honor guard, making way for Teyla, who stalks out, Todd following.]

INT—PRIMARY HIVE CORRIDOR

TODD
Well done. I believe you've managed to allay all suspicions.

TEYLA
Just remember why we did this—to disseminate Doctor Keller's treatment to as many Wraith as possible.

TODD
Of course. Although I think it might be wise to let matters settle for a time first.

[Teyla stops and turns to him.]

TEYLA

(suspiciously)

How much time?

TODD
Not long.

TEYLA
You're not planning on going back on our agreement, are you?

TODD
No, no. I'm just saying that to press such a radical agenda so soon after the change in leadership…well, it may invite unwelcome questions.

TEYLA
Fine.

TODD
Very well—

TEYLA
But bear in mind that as far as this crew is concerned, I am still their queen.

TODD
Oh, yes.

TEYLA
I will be watching you. And should you step out of line, I will not hesitate to make a reappearance…and have you removed.

TODD
Very well.

TEYLA
Permanently.

[Todd curls his hands into fists impotently as he watches Teyla leave.]